Preview: 5 Things You're Going To Love About "NBA 2K12"

The real NBA is in danger of seeing its season never happen, with players and owners squabbling over boatloads of money for reasons that nobody can fathom.

But video game hoops marches on. Ever since 1999, Visual Concepts has produced an NBA 2K game, and lockout or not, the company is dropping its new hoops release, NBA 2K12, on Oct. 4. Sure, it’s just a video game, but NBA 2K12 will still have plenty on its shoulders, trying to satisfy longtime series fans and satiate others who are looking to scratch a roundball itch.

Good thing the game has lots to offer. NBA 2K12 blends some old-school ideas with a few new touches, and it’s just the thing to get you through that blasted lockout.